Joe PaternoDiagnosed with Lung Cancer

11/18/2011 1:22 PM PST

Joe Paterno -- Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

Joe Paterno has been diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer ... this according to his son Scott.

Scott just released the following statement: "Last weekend my father was diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer during a follow-up visit for a bronchial illness. He is currently undergoing treatment and his doctors are optimistic that he will make a full recovery."

Scott added, "As everyone can appreciate, this is a deeply personal matter for my parents, and we simply ask that his privacy be respected as he proceeds with treatment."